"With immense concern and the utmost condemnation, I want to inform the international community that, in effect, for several months, there have been intelligence probes into possible attacks against the life of the president," Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a video posted online.

Trujillo also said the three Venezuelans were found to be in possession of "weapons of war."

He also said they were arrested in connection with the plot and called on Colombians to share any information they could have which would impact Duque's safety.

Trujillo also released an official statement which said the death threats came from both "internal and external actors."

Blu Radio, a radio station based in Bogota, reported the three Venezuelans were arrested in the cities of Valledupar and Barranquilla after they were found to have an assault rifle with a telescopic scope, an Uzi, ammunition, and a stun grenade.

Blu reported the plot had to have the support of armed leftist rebels in Colombia or drug-trafficking organizations since it was planned to coincide with the beginning of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's second term.

There was no immediate reaction from Venezuela’s government.

Colombia has been one of the hardest hit countries by the ongoing mass exodus of Venezuelans leaving their home country as it struggles with compounding economic and political crises.

Duque has been outspoken against Maduro, often calling him a "dictator," which has fueled tensions between the two neighboring Latin American countries.

Colombia already has millions of Venezuelan migrants and refugees who have crossed its border to escape rampant hyperinflation and widespread shortages of food, medicine, and basic necessities in Venezuela.

Duque said Maduro's re-election in May was illegitimate and called on him to hold new elections with the opposition party allowed to run, even though a number of leaders have been exiled or banned from holding or running for office.

Maduro has also fought back against Colombia, accusing Duque of conspiring with the United States to forcibly remove him from power and helping "terrorists" during the attempted armed drone attack in August at a military parade in Venezuela.

Colombia has denied the accusations.

Colombia is also one of seven countries which put forth a petition to the International Criminal Court in September to request it investigate Maduro for crimes against humanity, the first time ICC member countries asked for a probe into a fellow member.

The petition began with Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru before it was joined by Canada and France.